Fusing ancient practices with contemporary form and materials, the Gulamanmanha - Bringing Something Closer (Wajarri) exhibition is a testament to the continuous, living, and thriving culture of the Yamaji people.
Honouring the revival of cultural belongings, the exhibition showcases works made by Yamaji artists in response to ancestral belongings held for over 125 years in the Alexander Morton Collection at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG).
In collaboration with Yamaji Art, designer Nicole Monks has worked closely with Community to create a powerful collection of traditional kangaroo skin cloaks, to be gifted to TMAG in return for Yamaji ancestral belongings. These cloaks and body adornments, created on Country, from Country, present deeply personal responses to belongings held within institutions nationwide.
"Remaking these belongings reaches back into deep time, into the footsteps of our Yamaji ancestors," said Ms Monks.
Ms Monks is a multi-disciplinary creative of Yamaji Wajarri, Dutch and English heritage living and working on Worimi and Awabakal Country (Newcastle). Her practice is informed by her cross-cultural identity, using storytelling as a way to connect the past with the present and future. Her works use a conceptual approach, embedded with narratives, and aim to promote conversation and connection.
An award-winning designer and artist, Ms Monks crosses disciplines to work with furniture and objects, textiles, video, installation and performance.
Created through time spent on Country with Elders, the making of this body of work nurtured intergenerational learning and strengthened cultural ties. These belongings have been described as keepers of cultural knowledge and resilience, expressions of identity, and acts of revival.
Artists featured in the exhibition include, Jenine Boeree, Wade Boeree, Elvie Dann, Nicole Dickerson, Charmaine Green, Jennifer Green, Sheryl Green and many more.
This body of work was previously exhibited in collaboration with artworks by Ku'arlu Mangga artists from Northhampton at the Museum of Geraldton as YAMAJI YANAJINGMANHA BARNA / UTHUDU – Yamaji people coming together on Country.
The exhibition is now currently on show at the Australian Design Centre in Sydney until the 4th of July.
Recognised as the longest-operating Aboriginal art centre in the Mid West region of Western Australia, Yamaji Art continues to support artists across the vast region of Yamaji Country by providing professional arts services to sustain and celebrate culture.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
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